Class History

When the Clearwater, Florida Optimist couldn't run the Soap Box Derby program because of the city's flat terrain, they looked for a sailing alternative. In 1947 Clark Mills designed the Optimist Pram, a home-built plywood dinghy that cost less than $50. It caught on quickly. In 1958, Axel Damgaard brought the trainer to Denmark where it was modified and renamed the International Optimist Dinghy. Today, this eight-foot, sprit-rigged boat is the only International Sailing Federation approved dinghy for sailors under 16 years of age.